Description
Savory chicken parmesan meatballs blend Italian comfort with modern flair, creating a mouthwatering twist on classic cuisine. Cheese-stuffed and marinara-glazed, these delectable bites promise a delicious journey through rich, hearty flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly coating with olive oil for easy release.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using clean hands, shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Arrange the formed meatballs carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each to promote proper heat circulation.
- Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature.
- Once cooked, delicately spoon marinara sauce over each meatball, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly bubbling surface.
- Plate the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs alongside pasta, nestled in a sub roll, or paired with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs tender and prevent dryness during baking.
- Gently mix ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising flavor or binding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg